While man’s best friend is certainly celebrated at home daily, National Dog Day “officially" honors our most loyal and adorable companions each year on Aug. 26.
Now let’s be real — these pooches don't want more treats (well, they might); they want time well-spent with their favorite humans. More than 84 percent of people traveling with pets compare hotel pet amenities before booking — luckily we have the pup-perfect list of places that encourage pet-iquette so readers will spend less time browsing and more time with their fur-ever friend.
Salamander Resort & Spa — Middleburg, Va.
Situated just one hour outside of Washington D.C. in Middleburg, V.A., the Five-Star Salamander Resort & Spa welcomes four-legged family members with open arms (and paws) to the heart of horse and wine country. A true dog-friendly property, the resort caters to pooches with the same level of exceptional personalized service (human) guests have come to appreciate and expect – making each dog feel like a VIP, “Very Important Pup” from the moment they arrive. From munching on fresh designer treats and strutting down the “dog walk” trying to avoid the pup-arazzi, to spotting squirrels in trails nearing the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, all pups will experience a dog-gone good time! Guests are welcome to enjoy Yappy Hour on the grand lawn and watch as their furry friends tests their skills in the obstacle course and indulge in a special “Sharable Chow” menu from Gold Cup Wine Bar. A portion of the proceeds are donated to the Middleburg Humane Foundation. On behalf of the upcoming holiday, through its partnership with Preferred Hotels & Resorts, guests who book the “Stay More, Save More, Wag More” experience package* in honor and support of pet-friendly hotels will receive a complete with a five-item dog “treat” box by PupJoy, presented to pups upon check-in.
For more information click here or to book the experience, visit salamanderresort.com.
*Available to book Aug. 26 - Sept. 16 for travel dates between Oct. 1 - Nov. 24
The Brazilian Court Hotel – Palm Beach, FL
A discrete enclave of the rich and famous since the 1920s, The Brazilian Court Hotel is most often whispered about as a favored rendezvous promising anonymity for the affluent – all tucked within its lushly cloaked courtyards. This iconic Palm Beach landmark isn’t only favored by those that walk on two legs though, it's also pretty popular with those that walk on four, as it offers top notch service for it's furry friends as well. The Brazilian Court takes pet amenities over the top with the ultimate pooch pampering package – “Bark Butler,” available now through the end of the year, starting at $9,300. From daily dog walking and spa services, to a boat ride aboard “The Casablanca,” “Bark Butler” at Brazilian Court pulls out all the stops when it comes to pampering your pets.
“Bark Butler”
Available now through the end of the year, starting at $9,300
*General restrictions and black-out dates apply. Two-night minimum stay required. Based on availability at time of booking.14-day advance booking and 14-day cancellation required.
For more information, please visit www.thebraziliancourt.com.
CANINE AMBASSADOR PROGRAMS
Waldorf Astoria Park City — Park City, UT
Waldorf Astoria Park City is proud to be a dog-friendly hotel*, striving to give fur-children the same world class treatment as their humans. When Waldorf Astoria Park City knows a dog is in house, there will be an in-room welcome amenity complete with bowls, logo beds and homemade, personalized treats, which allows each canine to receive a taste of luxury.
In addition to welcoming dogs on property, Waldorf Astoria Park City partners with Nuzzles & Co, a private, non-profit, no-kill pet rescue and adoption organization located in Park City, Utah. Team members have volunteer days doing trail cleanup and walking dogs. While you’re on a trip to Park City and missing your furry friend, Nuzzles allows you to take dogs out on field trips hiking, swimming or for a walk.
Waldorf Astoria Park City is proud to have a canine “Director of Pet Relations” who’s job is to make sure the doggy companions receive the same world-class treatment as their humans at our hotel. Sammy is an Australian Shepherd-Border Collie who came to be part of the Waldorf Astoria family after being rescued from a local animal group. On her behalf, Waldorf Astoria Park City has partnered with Park City area charity, Nuzzles & Co., to support their efforts to save thousands of dogs and cats per year in which to make strides towards making Utah a no-kill state.
THE DETAILS:
For more information on Waldorf Astoria Park City, visit www.waldorfastoriaparkcity.com.
Montage Deer Valley — Park City, UT
Montage Deer Valley is a true alpine retreat providing the comfort of home to all of our guests we welcome to the mountains. Synonymous with alpine destinations and family travel are our beloved Bernese Mountain Dog Canine Ambassadors, Monty and Summit. Montage understands the significant role dogs play in a family, which is why we introduced our Canine Ambassador program upon our Grand Opening in 2010.
Bernese Mountain Dogs have long been cherished in mountain culture for their loyal companionship and innate sense of service and rescue. This Swiss breed brings the mountain tradition to Montage Deer Valley, where we are proud to welcome our guests with our loving Berners. The Monty Family began in 2010 with our very first Monty and we have since introduced five more Berners to our family including Montreux and Summit, our current ambassadors who greet our guests in the lobby and spreading love and joy to all who visit.
Fun Facts
Visit www.montagehotels.com/deervalley/.
Montage Palmetto Bluff — Bluffton, S.C.
Nestled in a lush, 20,000-acre coastal nature preserve between Hilton Head Island and Savannah, the dog-friendly Montage Palmetto Bluff offers a unique Canine Ambassador Program, drawing in dog-lovers. Named after the rivers that surround Bluffton, May, River and New are sociable and lovable English Labradors who greet guests in the lobby twice daily (10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.) to show off their tricks and welcome guests with open paws. Montage Palmetto Bluff understands that pets are part of the family, and embraces four-legged guests, going beyond simple pet-friendly rooms — featuring amenities including deluxe dog beds, treats and bowls, with custom canine experiences. With miles of trails and green spaces for dogs to play and run, the resort is the perfect destination for the whole family!
For more information or to experience Montage Palmetto Bluff, please call (843) 706-6500 or visit www.montagehotels.com/palmettobluff.
The Henderson’s Canine Ambassadors – Destin, Fla.
In honor of National Dog Day, visitors and guest alike are in for a treat with the property’s paw-some Canine Ambassadors Program. Dune and Ranger were welcomed into The Henderson family over the 2018 holiday season. They are brothers from the same liter, a black and yellow lab. Dune and Ranger can be found hanging around the resort throughout the day, with a special guest experience in the lobby around 4pm daily. Other engagements with resort guests and the neighborhood include:
For more information, please visit www.hendersonbeachresort.com/play/canine-ambassador-program
Hyatt Centric Park City — Park City, UT
Hyatt Centric Park City is a AAA Four Diamond resort in Park City, America’s Friendliest Town, located slope-side in the Canyons Village area of Park City Mountain.
Ellie is the Canine Concierge for the property; her role is to greet incoming visitors, hang out in the rooms, and join guests for mountain adventures — especially hiking. She grew up with the hotel as a second home since she was a puppy and is currently about three years old. Canine guests receive a welcome bag from Ellie upon check-in
For more information on Hyatt Centric Park City, visitwww.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/utah/hyatt-centric-park-city.
PET PROGRAMS
Crescent Canines at Hotel Crescent Court - Dallas, TX
Situated in the heart of Uptown Dallas within the flourishing 11-acre Crescent Complex lies Hotel Crescent Court, a Lone Star landmark which as of May 2019 launched “Crescent Canines” — a luxury pet amenity program — including everything from a gourmet "Doggie Delights Menu” with farm-to-table ingredients and a plush doggie bed (so cozy it’ll make you dream of chasing squirrels) to in-room food/water bowls made of hammered steel, branded toys, bandanas and even a “S-paw” service menu with services provided by a local groomer.
To learn more, visit www.crescentcourt.com.
NOPSI Hotel, New Orleans
Situated in the vibrant Central Business District the re-imagined landmark, NOPSI Hotel, is a timelessly refined luxury hotel where four-legged friends are welcomed with open arms (and paws), to enjoy a getaway alongside their owners. As a true, dog-friendly property, the hotel caters to furry companions with the same level of exceptional personalized service guests receive during their stay. Pets will enjoy amenities like lounging in the comfort of a plush dog bed, indulging in house-made treats prepared by the hotel’s pastry team and exploring the hotel’s outdoor bar and patio, Henry's, while their owner sips on an afternoon cocktail.
For more information or to experience NOPSI Hotel, please call (844) 439-1463 or visit www.nopsihotel.com and click HERE for a pet-friendly brochure.
HOTEL DU PONT — Wilmington, Del. HOTEL DU PONT welcomes guests' entire family — including pets of all sizes. Guests looking to bring their four-legged friends along will be delighted to know the hotel is happy to accommodate dogs of all breeds and sizes to a fido-friendly hotel. Conveniently located across from Rodney Square for playtime or walks in the park, HOTEL DU PONT continues to keep tails wagging by providing special pet welcome amenities and customized treats from their on-site Bake Shop.
Opened in 1913, the iconic HOTEL DU PONT is dedicated to delivering timeless luxury with a modern and unique sensibility. Located in downtown Wilmington, Delaware, in the heart of the picturesque Brandywine Valley, the 12-story Italian Renaissance landmark building boasts 217 guest rooms and spacious suites, more than 25,000 square feet of event space and the AAA Four-Diamond award-winning Green Room Restaurant & Bar.
For more information please visit www.hoteldupont.com or call 302.594.3100.
The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa— Denver, Colo.
As Denver’s longest continually operated hotel, The Brown Palace — known as Denver's "grand dame” — opened its doors on Aug. 12, 1892, and they have never been locked since. Encompassing 241 richly appointed guest-rooms and presidential suites, The Brown captivates guests with its historic heritage fused with modern-day amenities. The property also extends its luxury features to canine guests, offering a complimentary memory foam dog bed, stainless steel water and food bowls, biodegradable waste collection bags and readily available dog treats.
Additionally, for guests looking to explore Denver with their pet, the property concierge can direct visitors to nearby dog parks, pet-friendly parks, a dog spa and dog friendly bars and restaurants.
For more information on The Brown Palace Hotel & Spa visit brownpalace.com or call (303)-297-3111.
The great thing about many dog friendly hotels is that they go above and beyond to give your whole family a unique holiday experience without hassles. For example if your dog is older you don't have carry around your orthopedic dog bed but you can simply ask for one at the reception. Walking services or even someone looking after your dog the whole day will be available to book so what's stopping you from booking your next dream holiday?